Machine for applying slip covers to containers



Sept. 23,1941. J. F. PRICE v 2,256,574

MACHII IE FOR APPLYING SLIP COVERS TO CONTAINERS Filed June 23, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENT OR. JOHN F. PIE/CE ATT EYS.

Sept. 23, 1941. J. F. PRICE 2,256,574

MACHINE FOR APPLYING SLIP COVERS To CONTAINERS INVENT OR. JI; E JOHN pe/CE ATT RNEYS.

Sept. 23, 1941. J. F. PRICE 2,256,574

MACHINE FOR API LYING SLIP COVERS TO CONTAINERS Filed June 23, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. JOHN 1-. P/avcE- BY Sept. 23, 1941.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING SLIP COVERS TO CONTAINERS Filed June 25, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 3 JOHN F P/E/CE i atented Sept. 23, 1941 MACHINE FOR APPLYING SLIP COVERS TO CONTAINERS John F. Price, Fulton, N. Y., assignor to ()swego Falls Corporation, Fulton, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 23, 1939, Serial No. 280,825

6 Claims.

This invention relates to a machine for applying slip covers to containers. The machine is intended particularly for the application of slip covers formed of fibrous material, such as paperboard, to containers formed of like material. The slip covers comprise a discoidal portion and a cylindrical depending flange portion. Covers of this type are disclosed in Patents 2,033,889 and 2,073,537 to L. E. LaBombard.

The invention has as an object a machine of the type described embodying a particularly simple and eflicient mechanism embodying a compact, simplified construction rendering the machine suitable for use in small retail establishments where containers are covered only occasionally.

The invention has as a further object a machine of the type described, the entire mechanism of which is operated by a single operating member and which is operable to apply the slip cover to the container without the clerk or operator handling, or otherwise touching, the cover.

The invention has as a further object a construction by which the covers are arranged in stack formation and including mechanism operable automatically to effectively separate the lowermost cover in the stack formation from the covers next above and permit the positive feed of the separated cover to the applying head of the machine.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a machine embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the machine illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a lengthwise sectional View of the machine taken on line 33, Figures 2 and 4.

Figure 4; is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4, Figure 2.

Figure dis a reduced inverted plan view of the machine, partly in section, taken on approximately line 55, Figures 3 and 4.

The machine comprises a frame in the nature of a base plate I0. A rib II extends upwardly from the base I0, slightly to one side of the center thereof, and extends from the rear end of the base forwardly terminating an appreciable distance from the forward end of the base. The

forward portion I2 of the base plate forms a container support having a pair of rearwardly converging ribs I3 which function to position the container centrally below the cover applying head of the machine. The rib II is formed with a plate I4 which extends laterally at one side of the rib I I and is further supported by a pair of webs #5.

The frame further includes a top plate I'I formed with an upwardly extending cylindrical portion I8 in which is arranged a chute or hopper I9 to receive the covers in stack formation. The top plate i1 is mounted upon the plate I4, as by screws 26, and the plates I4, H are formed with confronting grooves to form a slot 2| extending radially from the cylindrical portion Ill. The cap applying head 22 is slidably mounted in an arm 24 extending forwardly from the cylindrical portion I8. The head 22 is of general cylindrical formation with a rear fiat side 26 arranged adjacent the forward end of plate I4 and provided with a rectangular aperture 21 through which the covers are fed into the head. The head 22 is slidably mounted upon a stem 28 which, in turn, is slidably mounted in an aperture in the forward end of arm 24. The upper portion of stem '28 is encircled by a helical compression spring 29 which acts between the top of the armor bracket 24 and a washer 30 secured to the upper end of the stem 28, as by a screw 3i. The lower end of the stem is formed with an enlarged head portion 32 which acts as a presser foot to press the cover onto the container when the stem 28 is moved downwardly. The lower edge of the head is beveled, as at 33, to assist centering the container and slip cover.

The covers are successively moved from the bottom of the stack formation into the head 22 by a shuttle or feed member 34 which is slidably mounted between the plates I4, I! and 36, IT. The plate 36 is secured to the under side of the top plates H as by screws 37, and is separated therefrom by a spacer 33. That is, the plate 36 is carried by that portion of the plate Il extending from the side of rib II opposite to the flange I4. This portion of the plate I1 is carried by the cylindrical portion I8. The right and left portions of the plate Il are arranged in spaced apart relationship to provide a slot to slidably receive the upper narrow portion 39 of the slide 34. The slide 34 is supported by the inner confronting portions of the plates I4, 35, and the slide 34 is guided at its edges by the confronting edges of the spacer plates I4, I! and 3B.

The slide 34 is formed with a depending boss 49 formed with a rectangular slot 4| extending wardly from the cylindrical portion I 8.

upwardly from the lower end thereof to slidably receive the crank 'pin block 42' mounted upon crank pin 53 extending transversely of the base In from the lower end of the crank arm 44 which is pivoted on a bracket 45 extending out- The cr'ank is also provided with an upwardly and forwardly extending arm at provided at its outer end with an operating handle 41 and intermediate its ends with a boss 48 arranged to engage the top of the stem 28 when the handle 7 41 is moved downwardly. The forward arm of the crank is normally maintained in up position by a tension spring 69 secured at one end to g a rearwardly extending projection 50, and at the opposite end to the base plate ill, as by a clamp 5i. 7

Accordingly, when the arm is"movedrdown-' inner ends of the intermediate pieces.

"the cam block 68 is moved out of engagement with the ends 65 of slides 6H, 6!, and the slides ar moved inwardly under the influence of the springs iii, and the barbs 63 move into engagement with the lowermost cover. When the slide 3'4 is moved forwardly toward the head 12, the

wardly, the slide 34 is moved rearwardly away from the head 22, and upon engagement "of the boss 48 with the upper end of the stem 28, the presser foot 32 is moved downwardly and the head 22 follows until the lower edge '33 engages the upper edge of the container. Further downward movement of the stem 28 effects movement of the cover out of the head 22 and presses the cover onto the top of the container. The cover is frictionally held in the head 22 by a pair of collar engaging members 54 arranged in slots 55 formed-in the periphery of the head. The members 54 are yieldingly urged inwardly by springs 56.

Due to the fact that the slip covers are formed with depending cylindrical flanges of appreciable depth, considerable difliculty is experienced in separating the lowermost cover of the stack formation with any conventional cover or cap feed-mechanism. The slip covers are formed with a cylindrical depending flange. When the covers are arranged in stack formatiom the flange of each cover tends to encircle the top of the cover below. 7 This action makes it diflicult to slide the bottom cover from the stack.

My invention includes mechanism for effecting the positive separation of the lowermost cover. This mechanism. comprises a cover gripping mechanism arranged in juxtaposition to the lowermost cover of the stack formation, and a second cover gripping means arranged in juxtaposition to the cover next above the lowermost cover., The invention also includes means operable? to successively actuate these mechanisms during reciprocation of the cover shuttle 34.

The mechanism for gripping the lowermost cover consists of members 66, 5! slidably mounted between the plates 14, I? and 36, I1 respectively, and being movable transversely of the cylindrical portion E8. The inner ends of the members 69, 6| are formed of one or morebarbs '63 which, upon inward movement of the members 53, 6|, engage the flange of the lowermostcover and retain it from upward or axial movement. The inner ends of the slides til, iii are provided with end portions 64 extending beneath the slide 34.

These end portions are chamfered on their front and rear edges, as at 65,'see Figure 5, and are actuated laterally by a cam block 66 secured to the under side of slide 34, as by screws 67.

In order toobtain sliding movement of the'members 65,, '6! in proper timed relation to movement of slide 34%v at each end of the stroke thereof, the cam block :86 is formed with anelongated slot 68 to receive each of the screws 61. Also, the forward edge of the boss '48 is formed with acam ,surface '69, as indicated by dotted outline th ridge 88 separating the'cam surfaces -85 and,

forward end of cam block 65 engages the ends 64, and after the slide 34 is moved a sufiicient distance to take up the lost motion resulting from the elongated slot 68, the ends 64 and the slides 66, 5! are moved outwardly thus releasing the cover. The cam block 68 is of sufilcient length to hold the slides 68, El outwardly until the lowermost cover has been moved an appreciable distance out from in under the stack formation.

The mechanism for elevating the stack forma tion out of engagement with the'lowermost 'cover consists of a pair of cover grippers '72, each being secured to the end of an arcuate shaped arm i3, as by screws 14. The rear ends of they arm 13 are each secured to a spring 15, theopposite end of which is pivotally secured to a block 16 as by screws 7-1. The block '16 is secured to the top plate IT, as by screws 18. Accordingly, the cover gripping members TZa-re movable transversely of the member 5 8 and also axially thereof.

The gripping members are urged downwardly by a compression spring 8%] encircling a stud 8| screwed into the top plate H, the spring '80 'act-- ing against a yoke 82 extending transversely over both of the springs 15. The gripper members T2 are moved laterally bya cam block 83 secured to the upper side of the slide M and having rearwardly extending converging sides -84. The forward portion of the cam -block-83 is formed with a pair of inclined cam surfaces -85 extending upwardly and rearwardly. The cam surfaces 84, B5 are engaged by a pair of pins r86 secured in the rear end of the arms 13 and depending downwardly toward the slideSd. As the slide is moved rearwardly, the pins d6 are engaged by the cam surfaces 8d and moved outwardly, thus moving the grippers 12-0111; of engagement with the covers until'the camsurfa-ces 85 pass rearwardly of the pins, at which time the pins are permitted to move inwardly-against extending to an arcuate-cover pushe-rwfiil. 1

At this time, the cover pusher =89 is arranged back of the rear side of the cylindrical member l8, and the covers in the stack formation arepermitted to drop upon the plate l-l. When the slide 3 is moved forwardly, the pins 86 ride upwardly on the cam surfaces 85, a-nd thecover next above the lowermost cover is thus movedaxially upwardly, the pins S t-continuing to travel on the upper surface of the cam block -83 for an appreciable distance. During these movements, the cam blocked is'positioned behind the inner end B l of the slides '86, 6!, whereby the lowermost cap is engaged by the barbs 63. .How ever, as the cover pusher 89 engages the rear side of the lowermost cover, the forward end of cam block 66 engages the inner end 64 of the slides B0, 61, and effects a spreading action of the same, thereby releasing the lowermost cover. This cover is then moved forwardly by the slide 34, and when it has traveled an appreciable distance out from in under the stack formation, the pins 36 pass off from the tapering cam block 33 and descend to the top of the slide 34. After the slide 34 has completed its forward stroke and approached the end of the rearward stroke, this operation is repeated. Accordingly, the lowermost cover is effectively and positively separated from the cover next above it.

It will be observed that the machine described embodies a particularly simple and compact structure which renders the machine particularly suitable for retail store use, and the machine is operable to effectively apply the slip covers to the containers without the necessity of the covers being handled by the clerk.

What I claim is:

l. A machine for applying slip covers to containers comprising a frame, means for supporting a plurality of said covers in stack formation, a container support, a cover applying head slidably mounted in the frame and operable to apply a cover positioned therein to a container on said support, a shuttle slidably mounted in the frame below said stack formation and operable upon movement toward said head to transfer the lowermost cover of said stack formation to said head, cover gripper members arranged adjacent the bottom portion of said stack formation and being movable radially thereof into and out of engagement with the cover next above the lowermost cover of said stack formation, cam means carried by said shuttle and being cooperable with said gripper members upon axial movement of said shuttle to move said gripper members into engagement with the cover next above said lowermost cover and move the same upwardly out of engagement with said lowermost cover and to subsequently release said upper cover upon transfer of said lowermost cover from said stack formation.

2. A machine for applying slip covers to containers comprising a frame, means for supporting a plurality of said covers in stack formation, a container support, a cover applying head slidably mounted in the frame and operable to apply a cover positioned therein to a container on said support, a shuttle slidably mounted in the frame below said stack formation and operable upon movement toward said head to transfer the lowermost cover of said stack formation to said head, cover gripper members arranged in juxtaposition to the bottom of said stack formation, a cam surface carried by said shuttle and being cooperable wi h said gripper members upon movement of said shuttle to move said members into engagement with the cover next above the lowermost cover of said stack formation, said shuttle being provided with a second cam surface cooperable with said gripper members while in engagement with said upper cover to move the same upwardly, one of said cam surfaces being cooperable with said members to move the same out of engagement with said upper cover upon transfer of the lowermost cover from said stack formation.

3. A machine for applying slip covers to containers comprising a frame, means for supporting a plurality of covers in stack formation, a container support, a head slidably mounted in the frame, said head being operable to apply a hold the lowermost cover of said stack formation from axial movement and to move the cover next above said lowermost cover out of engagement with th same and to subsequently release said lowermost cover, a shuttle slidably mounted in the frame and operable to transfer said released cover into said applying head, and means operable during movement of said shuttle to cause said gripper members to release said upper cover. a

4. A machine for applying slip covers to containers comprising a frame, means for supporting a plurality of said covers in stack formation, a container support, a cover applying head slidably mounted in the fram and operable to apply a cover to a container on said support, a shuttle slidably mounted in the frame, said shuttle being arranged below said stack formation and being operable to transfer the lowermost cover thereof into said head, a first cover gripper member arranged in juxtaposition to the lowermost cover in said stack formation, a second cover gripper member arranged in juxtaposition to the cover next above said lowermost cover, and means cooperable with said shuttle and said gripper members during movement of said shuttle to cause said first gripper member to successively grip said lowermost cover, hold the same from axial movement and thereafter release the same and to cause said second gripper member tomove the cover next above said lowermost cover axially while said lowermost cover is held by said first gripper, and to subsequently release said upper cover.

5. A machine for applying slip covers to containers comprising a frame, means for supporting a plurality of covers in stack formation, a container support, a cover applying head slidably mounted in the frame and operable to apply a cover to a container on said support, a shuttle" slidably mounted in the frame below said stack formation and operable to transfer the lowermost cover of said stack formation into said head, a pair of cover gripper members arranged in the frame adjacent the bottom of said stack formation and being radially movable into and out of engagement with the lowermost cover in said stack formation, a second pair of cover gripper members arranged above said first members and being movable radially of said stack formation into and out of engagement with the cover next above said lowermost cover, motion transmitting means cooperable with said shuttle and said gripper members during movement of said shuttle to successively move said first gripper members into engagement with the lowermost cover, move said upper gripper members into engagement with the cover next above said lowermost cover, and move the same upwardly, cause said first gripper members to release said lowermost cover and to subsequently cause said upper gripper members to release said upper cover.

6. A machine for applying slip covers to containers comprising a frame, a container support, a head slidably mounted in the frame and operable to apply a slip cover positioned in said head to a container on said support, means carried by the frame for supporting a plurality of slip covers in stack formation, a shuttle slidably mounted in the frame transversely across the bottom of said stack formation, said shuttle being movable across the bottom of said stack formation toward saidhead to transfer the lowermost cover of said stack formation into the head, upper and lower cover'gr-ipper members arranged adjacent the bottom of said I stack formation, means 'yieldingly urging said lower members into engagement with the lowermost 7 cover of said stack formation and said upper members into engagement withrthe cover next 10 above said lowermost cover, a cam member arranged on the underside of saidshuttle and cooperable with said lower members to cause the same to engage said lowermost. cover when said shuttle is in returned position, a cam mem- 15 shuttle upon the forward stroke thereof, said lower cam member being operable to subsequently move said lower gripper members out of engagement with said lower cover, and said upper cam member being operable to move said upper grippers out of engagement with said upper cover upon transfer of said lower cover from said stack formation.

JOHN F. PRICE. 

